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New crime statistics system unveiled for Colorado as 2017 numbers released

Posted at 10:22 AM, Sep 28, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-28 17:14:30-04

COLORADO – Statewide crime statistics compiled by local law enforcement are now available in a new system from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

The Colorado Crime Stats system uses a new methodology providing more detailed information about each crime. It’s the same system the FBI is working on transitioning to by 2021.

A release from CBI states users will generally see higher numbers under this methodology, not because there was more crime, rather that there is more detail on crimes committed compared to the older methodology.

News5 is sorting through all the data in this new system to get a better perspective of what is going on in our communities.


Definitions:

Violent Crime consists of murder, non-consensual sex offenses and aggravated assault. Victims are always individuals. One offense is counted for each victim.

Crimes against Property: The offender’s intent is to obtain money, property, or some other benefit, e.g. robbery, bribery, burglary. One offense is counted for each distinct OPERATION (each incident/case) except motor vehicle theft, where one offense is counted for each vehicle stolen.

Here’s a sampling of the numbers for 2016 compared to 2017.

Pueblo Police Department – Property Crimes reported:

  • 2016 robberies – 224 cases, 20% clearance rate
  • 2017 robberies – 219 cases, 18% clearance rate

Pueblo Police Department – Violent Crimes reported:

  • 2016 violent crimes – 1,153 cases, 29% clearance rate
  • 2017 violent crimes – 1,255 cases, 34% clearance rate

Colorado Springs Police Department – Property Crimes reported:

2016 robberies – 442 cases, 31% clearance rate

2017 robberies – 486 cases, 38% clearance rate

Colorado Springs Police Department – Violent Crimes reported:

2016 violent crimes – 2,515 cases, 47% clearance rate

2017 violent crimes – 2,623 cases, 50% clearance rate


What’s also new in these statistical reports is the ability for local law enforcement to update their reported statistics if an error is discovered.

To get started looking at statistics in your area, visit coloradocrimestats.state.co.us.  You’ll find data from police departments, sheriff’s offices, and Colorado State Patrol regions.

Simple dropdown menus allow you to choose the jurisdiction, year reported, and type of crime – DUI/Drugs, Violent Crime, or Property Crime.

Crime Stats snapshot
A snapshot of violent crime statistics for 2017 as reported by the Colorado Springs Police Department.

The system also allows you to share an entire report or just specific stats via Facebook, Twitter or email.

If you’re really into data, check out the ‘Table Lookup’ option which allows drilling down into finer details such as the day of the week crimes were committed, the location of crimes, along with age, gender and ethnicity information.